Elevate your side dishes with these Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion and Pancetta—a savory twist on a classic favorite! Velvety sweet potatoes are whipped to creamy perfection with butter and a splash of milk, then infused with the rich flavors of golden caramelized onions and crispy pancetta. A hint of fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, making this dish the ultimate blend of sweet, salty, and savory. Perfect as a standout side for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, this recipe is both comforting and sophisticated. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive way to wow your family and guests.
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Thinly slice the yellow onion and add it to the skillet. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden brown and caramelized. Reduce heat if necessary to avoid burning.
In the same skillet, add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onion and pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
In the large pot used for boiling the sweet potatoes (now drained), return the cooked sweet potatoes. Add the butter, milk, salt, and black pepper.
Mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Gently fold in the caramelized onion and crispy pancetta, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.
Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved onion, pancetta, and fresh thyme leaves if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Calories |
1578 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.6 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.2 g | 191% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 184 mg | 61% | |
| Sodium | 4592 mg | 200% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.4 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.8 g | ||
| Protein | 32.3 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 349 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 575 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.